I, like many people around the world, was saddened to hear about the recent death of my friend Zig. He was one of a kind. I was fortunate to share the stage with him several times, and I will be forever grateful for those opportunities.

If you were lucky enough to ever hear him speak, you understand how he stayed at the top of his game for more than 40 years. As he was fond of saying "People often say motivation doesn't last. Neither does bathing — that's why we recommend it daily."

Zig was simply one of the greatest motivators and sales trainers of all time. He made everyone better with his extremely positive attitude. Who can forget his classic line, "I'm so optimistic, I'd go after Moby-Dick in a rowboat and take the tartar sauce with me"?

Another big subject for Zig was balancing work and family, which was so important to him. One of his pearls of wisdom on this subject: "Many marriages would be better if the husband and wife clearly understood that they are on the same side."

We were both active in the National Speakers Association and members of its Hall of Fame. We shared a similar speaking philosophy. Both of us realized that in order to educate, you need to entertain. Make your audience laugh every five to 10 minutes. Introduce a new lesson, concept or idea to your audience every few minutes as well, to keep their attention.

Zig was genuinely friendly to everyone. After every speech, he hung around and answered any and all questions until the lights went out. Motivational speakers come and go, but his work will live on because he practiced what he preached.

Zig loved comic strips and sports, especially the amazing feats of teams. He also collected anecdotes because he knew stories can be great teachers.

Zig started out in sales, just as I did. He hawked everything from lawn-mowing services to cookware and insurance. He said, "Every sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust."

After many years in sales, he realized that his real gift was his positive attitude and energy. He became a full-time motivational speaker and author. He wrote more than two dozen best-selling books, full of take-home value. Gems like these, short and sweet and definitely to the point, will live on and on:

"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

"There are no traffic jams on the extra mile."

"If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."

A lot of people quit looking for work as soon as they find a job."

"Every choice you make has an end result."

"Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have 24-hour days."